The health benefits of avocado

Whether it’s used in a salad or mashed into a tasty guacamole dish, avocados offer many health benefits.

Hass avocados, the most common commercial avocado, contain a variety of essential nutrients. Avocados are nutrient-dense foods, meaning they contain a large amount of nutrients compared to the amount of calories per serving. Studies have found that an avocado a day helps maintain good cholesterol and offer benefits for those with type 2 diabetes, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One avocado contains 322 calories and 29 grams of fat, but most of these fat grams come from heart-healthy fats. It has 750 milligrams of potassium and 10 grams of fiber.

“Avocado is a good pick for so many reasons,” says Dotty Berzy, a nutritionist at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago. “You are supposed to have 30 to 35 grams of fiber a day, so an avocado gets you a third of the way.”

Berzy recommends that instead of putting butter or margarine on toast, think about spreading some avocado.

“Everyone loves a little guacamole in their diet,” she says. “It is nutritious with a great taste.”

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Comments

4 Comments

While agreeing with the stated health benefits of avocado, it is absolutely false that leaving the pit in guacamole prevents the guacamole from turning brown. The only area of the guacamole that will not turn brown is the area directly under the pit. It’s hard to believe that anyone who makes guacamole still believes this myth!

To prevent guacamole from browning, put in an airtight container, put just enough water to cover the guacamole and put airtight lid or a good plastic wrap on container. I have kept guacamole fresh for several days. Drain the water, mix.

Interesting to see someone mention about storing guac under a layer of water. I found the same advice in this article (https://listonic.com/how-to-store-avocados/) and thought that couldn’t possibly be a thing. But, I guess it is if same advice is being given independently of it.